Shadow sports minister says Adam Johnson should not play professional football again

Johnson, 28, was convicted of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl at Bradford Crown Court earlier this month after previously pleading guilty to another count of sexual activity and grooming the youngster.

He is expected to be sent to prison when sentenced later this month.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live's Sportsweek programme, Mr Efford argued that those with convictions against their names such as Johnson should not be allowed back into the professional game.

"This came about before when we had a discussion around the Ched Evans (former Sheffield United footballer and convicted rapist) case," said Mr Efford.

"If you are on a Sex Offenders Register should you be a professional footballer, and my view is no.

"I made that point quite clearly."

Johnson started his career with Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City in 2010.

He moved to Sunderland in a £10million transfer in 2012.

During his career he played for England 12 times.